I'm looking for FR novels relating to events, places, and characters we've seen so far in the trailers for the new movie--specifically the Red Wizards of Thay--but I'm not sure where to start. Any recommendations on the best Szass Tam/Red Wizards books?
The obvious ones are the two prequel novels but those focus on the specific characters and not so much the world and lore itself as far as I know. I read A Druid's Callwhich focuses on Doric's origin, and it's a good, relative short YA novel that beyond giving us Doric's background, does go into some world lore with the nature of being a druid, and a bit with the Emerald Enclave and the Neverwinter Woods. I have only started the Road to Neverwinter that focuses on Edgin (the bard) and Holga (the barbarian) but haven't gotten very far yet.
As for novels that focus on other info that could be useful, way back in 1991 there was a novel about the Red Wizards of Thay called Red Magic. It was from a series called The Harpers that were each a standalone novel about a Harper mission to stop some evil. That one might be good to get a look at both the Red Wizards and the Harpers since both seem to be involved. (I think it's been made kind of clear in the trailers and definitely one of the prequel novels, but just in case, I won't and I hope no one else mentions the Harper connection just to keep things as spoiler free as possible.)
Now, two caveats with that novel, however. The events in the story take place over a century before the current Forgotten Realms timeline. But the Harpers have always been the Harpers, and the Red Wizards have largely always been the Red Wizards. Now there has been some recent internal conflict among the Red Wizards, but I doubt the movie will get that in-depth of the politics of Thay for their very first introduction.
Second caveat is that the book was written over 30 years ago. :) Some D&D novels from then hold up better than others, and I think Jean Rabe's has been better than others, but just be aware it was written in a different time.
Other books, I'm not sure about. It looks like the city of Neverwinter is featured heavily and there's been a TON of background on that city (especially from numerous video games) but hopefully someone can help with any good novels.
Also, it looks like there's the Underdark involved and our favorite chonky red dragon Themberchaud, and for background on those, rather than a novel, the adventure Out of the Abyss is the best resource on him and those locations (likely the city of Gracklstugh which is where he's from and some of the trailer shots seem to imply, but I don't know for sure).
Lastly, the hands down best source for lore is the Forgotten Realms Wiki. Not as engaging of a read as a good novel, but it has been invaluable to me in having the decades and decades of Forgotten Realms lore from hundreds of game books, novels, etc. all compiled and organized.
I read A Druid's Callwhich focuses on Doric's origin, and it's a good, relative short YA novel that beyond giving us Doric's background, does go into some world lore with the nature of being a druid, and a bit with the Emerald Enclave and the Neverwinter Woods.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Most certainly will pick up 'Druid's Call'; Doric is fast becoming a favorite within the venturing party in the movie.
When the 'Honor Among Thieves' action figures hit the shelves last month inside the retail store on my side of the iPhone; Doric appeared to sell faster than the rest of the party 'cause I could not find her anywhere.
Instead, settled with a D20 Beholder; then the Black Dragon D20.
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I'm looking for FR novels relating to events, places, and characters we've seen so far in the trailers for the new movie--specifically the Red Wizards of Thay--but I'm not sure where to start. Any recommendations on the best Szass Tam/Red Wizards books?
The obvious ones are the two prequel novels but those focus on the specific characters and not so much the world and lore itself as far as I know. I read A Druid's Call which focuses on Doric's origin, and it's a good, relative short YA novel that beyond giving us Doric's background, does go into some world lore with the nature of being a druid, and a bit with the Emerald Enclave and the Neverwinter Woods. I have only started the Road to Neverwinter that focuses on Edgin (the bard) and Holga (the barbarian) but haven't gotten very far yet.
As for novels that focus on other info that could be useful, way back in 1991 there was a novel about the Red Wizards of Thay called Red Magic. It was from a series called The Harpers that were each a standalone novel about a Harper mission to stop some evil. That one might be good to get a look at both the Red Wizards and the Harpers since both seem to be involved. (I think it's been made kind of clear in the trailers and definitely one of the prequel novels, but just in case, I won't and I hope no one else mentions the Harper connection just to keep things as spoiler free as possible.)
Now, two caveats with that novel, however. The events in the story take place over a century before the current Forgotten Realms timeline. But the Harpers have always been the Harpers, and the Red Wizards have largely always been the Red Wizards. Now there has been some recent internal conflict among the Red Wizards, but I doubt the movie will get that in-depth of the politics of Thay for their very first introduction.
Second caveat is that the book was written over 30 years ago. :) Some D&D novels from then hold up better than others, and I think Jean Rabe's has been better than others, but just be aware it was written in a different time.
Other books, I'm not sure about. It looks like the city of Neverwinter is featured heavily and there's been a TON of background on that city (especially from numerous video games) but hopefully someone can help with any good novels.
Also, it looks like there's the Underdark involved and our favorite chonky red dragon Themberchaud, and for background on those, rather than a novel, the adventure Out of the Abyss is the best resource on him and those locations (likely the city of Gracklstugh which is where he's from and some of the trailer shots seem to imply, but I don't know for sure).
Lastly, the hands down best source for lore is the Forgotten Realms Wiki. Not as engaging of a read as a good novel, but it has been invaluable to me in having the decades and decades of Forgotten Realms lore from hundreds of game books, novels, etc. all compiled and organized.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Most certainly will pick up 'Druid's Call'; Doric is fast becoming a favorite within the venturing party in the movie.
When the 'Honor Among Thieves' action figures hit the shelves last month inside the retail store on my side of the iPhone; Doric appeared to sell faster than the rest of the party 'cause I could not find her anywhere.
Instead, settled with a D20 Beholder; then the Black Dragon D20.